NT fires

The Ashes: Australian captain Michael Clarke defends sledge to England's James Anderson

Updated
Mon 25 Nov 2013, 3:39 PM AEDT

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Captains react to on-field sledging after Australia wins first Ashes Test at the Gabba

ABC News

Michael Clarke has defended his vicious on-field sledge to England rival James Anderson in a spiteful end to Australia's first Test victory in Brisbane.

Man-of-the-match Mitchell Johnson holds the key to Australia's Ashes chances, after the home side took a commanding 1-0 lead, closing out an emphatic 381-run win by bowling England out for 179 late on day four at the Gabba.

However, post-match talk was dominated by the ugly scenes out in the middle where a stump microphone picked up the Australian captain telling Anderson to, "Get ready for a f***ing broken arm" as the fast bowler prepared to face Johnson.

That followed on from the previous night's press conference, where Australian opener David Warner described England's players as batting with "scared eyes" and accusing rival Jonathan Trott of being "weak".

England captain Alastair Cook hit back and said Warner was "disrespectful", but would not comment on whether the ICC should intervene.

"I think the comment last night by David Warner was pretty disrespectful from any professional cricketer really," he said.

"On the pitch it's pretty much a war anyway. Always going to be a few words on the pitch, that's the way people want to watch cricket being played."

Spinner Nathan Lyon came into his own on Sunday and Johnson (5 for 42) capped off his stunning Test return to instigate another England collapse of 4 for 9 within 21 balls - following a 90-minute rain delay - to bring the Ashes-holders to their knees.

Australia turns back the clock with stunning win

After a tumultuous year on and off the field where they sacked a coach and went nine consecutive Tests without a win, Australia's performance was a flashback to the glory years.

The series is a long way from over, but only twice before has a side won the first Test in Brisbane and not gone on to claim the Ashes.

After Johnson and the Australians decimated England with 6 for 9 in the first innings, it was deja vu in the final session on day four.

Second innings centurions David Warner and Michael Clarke were considered, but Johnson was an overwhelming man-of-the-match, in one of Australian cricket's most important victories.

"Obviously to get a five for in a Test match in an Ashes series is an unbelievable feeling," Johnson said.

"All the boys racing in and getting into a huddle, it was a great celebration for us.

"It's been a long time for us winning a Test match.

"It was a great moment, something I won't forget."

His 64 and 39 not out with the bat and nine wickets marked one of the best all-round performances in Test history.

Much-maligned off-spinner Lyon also turned a corner in Brisbane, snaring Alastair Cook and Matt Prior in quick succession on Sunday.